Debra has a passion for the practice of local government law, which she brings to the firm with a wealth of knowledge and experience. She began her legal career as a North Carolina prosecutor and went on to spend 25 years with Catawba County Government, where she served as County Attorney. Debra provides legal counsel to a number of North Carolina health departments and has served as interim county attorney and interim county manager, offering leadership and support during periods of transition. She has provided service and support to elected officials, county employees, citizens and numerous professional groups during her career. She has experience with all aspects of local government including Boards of Commissioners, City and Town Councils, Public Health, Environmental Health, Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Medical Services, Economic Development, Planning and Zoning, Elections, Public Records and Contracts. Debra is uniquely positioned to partner with local government entities across North Carolina, assisting boards and councils in hiring managers and attorneys, she offers proactive steps to reduce liability including reviewing, drafting and improving policies, conducting training and offering real-time advice on day-to-day issues.

Debra has served as President of the 25th Judicial District Bar, President of the Catawba County Bar Association, President of the North Carolina Police Attorneys Association, and President of the North Carolina County Attorneys Association. She has also served as Parliamentarian of the NCACC Legislative Goals Conference and is a Founding Member of the Legal Advisors Section of the National Sheriffs’ Association. Debra served on the 5-5-5 Committee with other county leaders and worked on North Carolina’s state-wide opioid allocation agreement which served as a model for all other states. In recognition of her work and leadership, Debra has received several honors, including Catawba County Employee of the Year and the North Carolina County Attorney of the Year. The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners awarded Debra with a Distinguished Service Award and the Presidential Recognition Award for her work on the NC Opioid Allocation Agreement.

Debra teaches at Wake Forest University on the U.S. Supreme Court and First Amendment. She also develops and presents critical training across the state for all aspects of public health, environmental health, EMS, and general topics for all government employees. Debra is called upon regularly to speak at conferences for Attorneys, Public Health Employees, Law Enforcement and NACCHO360, hosted by the National Association of County and City Health Officials.